Deranged Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A mama’s boy has serious separation anxiety, so he tries extreme DIY taxidermy to solve the problem, accidentally starting a new trend in home décor.

🍿 Deranged: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Life with Mother

Ezra Cobb, a middle-aged farmer, lives a secluded life with his elderly and domineering mother, Amanda. She instills in him a deep-seated distrust and hatred of women, preaching that they are all sinful and disease-ridden. Ezra’s world revolves entirely around his mother and her religious fanaticism. Their isolated existence shapes his perception of reality and sets the stage for his descent into madness.

The Death of Amanda

Amanda eventually passes away after a prolonged illness, leaving Ezra completely lost and alone. Her death shatters his already fragile psyche. He struggles to cope with the void left by her absence. The film depicts his initial grief and withdrawal from the world. He is unable to function without her constant presence and guidance.

Descent into Madness

A year after his mother’s death, Ezra begins experiencing auditory hallucinations, seemingly hearing Amanda’s voice calling out to him. Driven by these hallucinations and his inability to accept her death, he exhumes her corpse from the grave. He brings the decaying body back to his farmhouse, attempting to preserve and restore it using crude methods like fish skin and wax. This act marks the beginning of his horrifying descent into necrophilia and murder.

First Kill and Beyond

Ezra’s mental state deteriorates further as he begins a series of murders. His first victim is Maureen Selby, a local woman interested in Ezra. From there, he escalates to a waitress named Mary Ransum, whom he brings to his house, imprisons, and eventually kills. He is driven by his desire to replace his mother and furnish his home with grotesque trophies made from the bodies of his victims. The film showcases the escalating violence and disturbing nature of his crimes.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Ezra Cobb (Roberts Blossom): A deranged farmer who descends into madness after his mother’s death, exhuming corpses and committing murders.
• Ma Cobb (Cosette Lee): Ezra’s domineering and religiously fanatical mother whose death triggers his descent into madness.
• Tom Sims (Leslie Carlson): A local reporter who narrates the story of Ezra Cobb, providing context and information to the audience.
• Mary Ransum (Micki Moore): A waitress who becomes one of Ezra’s victims, lured to his home and ultimately murdered.
• Sally Mae (Pat Orr): A young woman who becomes Ezra’s final victim, leading to his capture.
• Harlon Kootz (Robert Warner): A friend of Ezra who becomes suspicious after the disappearance of Sally Mae.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Ma Cobb: “Remember what I’ve always told you: the wages of sin is gonorrhea, syphilis, and death.” – Ma Cobb’s dire warning sets the stage for Ezra’s distorted view of women and morality.
• Ezra Cobb: “She’s not really gone, you know. She’s… right here.” – Ezra attempts to explain to his friend Harlon why his mother is still with him, shortly after digging her up.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $200,000
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: $219

💥 Deranged Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, ‘Deranged’ messed with my head! Robert Blossom is incredible as Ezra, making him both pathetic and terrifying. The scene where he’s trying to have a date with the psychic lady? Awkward and hilarious! But then, BAM, full-on horror. I couldn’t sleep well after seeing the dinner table scene. Super disturbing, but also oddly fascinating. Definitely not something I’ll forget anytime soon!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of cult horror films”
  • “True crime enthusiasts”
  • “Viewers interested in psychological thrillers”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence”
  • “Grave robbing”
  • “Necrophilia”
  • “Disturbing themes”
  • “Strong language”

Professional Reviews

• Bloody Disgusting: “‘Deranged’ delivers a chilling and disturbing experience thanks to Robert Blossom’s unsettling performance. The film’s low-budget aesthetic adds to its disturbing realism, while Tom Savini’s early makeup effects are surprisingly effective. This is not for the squeamish, but horror fans should appreciate.
• Collider: “‘Deranged’ is a dark descent into madness. It skillfully balances horror with surprising moments of humor. Robert Blossom’s performance elevates this low-budget gem, making it a memorable and disturbing watch. The film’s unflinching depiction of Ezra’s depravity makes it a must-see for fans of the genre.

Audience Reactions

Roberts Blossom’s incredibly convincing portrayal of Ezra Cobb is the best part of the movie: The disturbing and unsettling atmosphere of ‘Deranged’ is frequently praised by viewers.

Overall Consensus: ‘Deranged’ is a disturbing, unsettling low-budget horror film made memorable by Robert Blossom’s performance.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is based on the crimes of Ed Gein, who also inspired Psycho and The Texas Chain Saw Massacre.”
• “Tom Savini worked on the makeup effects early in his career, creating the gruesome corpses and makeup.”
• “Director Bob Clark (Black Christmas, A Christmas Story) served as an uncredited producer on the film.”
• “Christopher Walken wanted the lead role but was turned down because the filmmakers thought he looked too young.”

🖥️ How to Watch Deranged?

As of October 2024, “Deranged” is available for rent or purchase on various platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your preferred streaming service for availability, as it may vary by region. Vinegar Syndrome also released a 4K UHD edition.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Deranged, you might like these similar films:

• Psycho (1960): Another film heavily inspired by the Ed Gein case, exploring themes of disturbed psychology and maternal obsession.
• The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974): Released the same year as Deranged, it also draws inspiration from Ed Gein, focusing on the grotesque and horrific aspects of his crimes.
• Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer (1986): A stark and disturbing depiction of a serial killer’s life, emphasizing realism and psychological depth.

🛒 Deranged Related Products

• Deranged [Blu-ray]: Vinegar Syndrome’s 4K UHD release features newly restored visuals and bonus content. A must-have for collectors, it comes in limited edition packaging with exclusive artwork.
• Ed Gein: American Psycho (Biography): Dive deeper into the true story that inspired ‘Deranged’. This gripping biography explores the life and crimes of Ed Gein, providing chilling insights into his psyche.
• Tom Savini’s Grindhouse Effects: Get insight into Tom Savini’s iconic makeup effects.
• Texas Chainsaw Massacre (Movie): A horror classic loosely based on the same events of Ed Gein.

🎧 Soundtrack

Deranged features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “The Old Rugged Cross” – performed by George Bennard

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

9 Most Deranged Horror Movies

Curious about the most disturbing movies ever made? This video counts down 9 ‘deranged’ horror films, it’s a wild ride to say the least and it’ll make you question what filmmakers consider ‘too far’ – let me know if you agree with their list!

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